Indecision regarding the state's order of a satellite - reported missing by the Sunday Times a few weeks ago - resulted in a heavy lawsuit before it was even purchased, according to the paper.
The Sunday Times reports the defence ministry made an about-turn on purchasing the R1.2 billion Kondor E satellite, billed "Project Flute", resulting in legal claims against the state.
The paper quotes new auditor-general Kimi Makwetu in a follow-up report this morning.
"In a reply to an application in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act by Democratic Alliance MP David Maynier, Makwetu revealed that former defence minister Mosioua Lekota's decision to withdraw approval for Project Flute - the original agreement to help finance the venture - had resulted in a claim of more than R115 million against the state," reports the paper.
It says Makwetu's response indicated a "significant uncertainty" referred to in the 2006-07 auditor-general's report relates to "the cancellation of Project Flute".
The paper had earlier reported the satellite is the type often used for spying, along with other capabilities.
According to the Sunday Times, the project, along with its successor Consolitated Project Flute, collectively cost taxpayers R1 billion.
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